Quick-release exercise mini bands

ABSTRACT

A quick release mini band system for exercise. The system includes an elongated elastomeric band having a first end and a second end. A connector system includes a first connector structure attached to the first end of the band and a second connector structure connected to the second end of the band. The first and second connector structures are configured to releasably attach to each other in a closed state in which the band and connector system provide a closed mini band configuration having a circumferential dimension selected to encircle one or more body parts to provide a desired resistance level for resisting movement of the one or more body parts in an exercise application, and wherein the first and second connector structures are configured for detachment from one another to facilitate removal of the band from the one or more body parts. A method of use is disclosed.

BACKGROUND

Small exercise bands, or mini bands as they are often referred, are used in various health and fitness arenas to add resistance to exercises and basic biomechanical human movements. The exercise bands are formed as a continuous loop of elastic material. They are used heavily by fitness professionals and rehabilitation professionals as a way to add resistance to the exercises prescribed to their clients, stimulating musculature, strengthening connective tissue, and recruiting a higher percent of muscle fibers to prepare the client for more complicated exercises and movements to come.

These mini bands are often used to stimulate the muscles involved in the movement of the hip by placing two feet through the loop of the mini band and affixing the band just above the ankle joint or the knee joint. Unfortunately, the process of stepping through the loop of the mini band with both feet and pulling it up to the desired location on the legs can be extremely difficult to execute due to the nature of the elastic band. Too often during application, the mini band forcibly pulls hair out of the user's legs, rolls up or balls up causing excessive pressure and discomfort at the contact points, and is the product of much aggravation for the user before the exercise is even executed. This is especially problematic when working with the elderly as mobility issues, general weakness, sensitive skin, and tripping hazards exist when stepping in and out of the mini band.

SUMMARY

In an exemplary first embodiment, a band system includes an elongated band with first and second opposed ends. A buckle closure is provided to removably attach the ends of the band together, as to allow for quick application and release of the small exercise band on the desired position of the body. One end of the band system will have a buckle that will allow for adjustments to be made to the overall length and circumference of the band system by passing the elastic material through a tri glide and the adjustable buckle. This buckle closure provides a convenient and easy method for application, removal and adjustment of the band.

In an exemplary second embodiment, a band system includes an elongated band with first and second opposed ends. A hook and loop closure is provided to removably attach the ends of the band together, as to allow for quick application and release of the small exercise band on the desired position of the body. This hook and loop closure provides a convenient and easy system for application, removal, and adjusting of the band.

A method of using the mini band system includes, with the mini band system in an open configuration in which first and second ends are disconnected from each other, passing the band about one or more body parts of the user at a desired location, connecting the first and second ends to form the closed mini band configuration, the user manipulating the one or more body parts against the resistance provided by the mini band system to execute the exercise, and after the exercise is completed, disconnecting the first and second connector structures to remove the mini band system from the user's body.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Features and advantages of the disclosure will readily be appreciated by persons skilled in the art from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the drawing wherein:

FIG. 1 is a frontal perspective view showing the height and length of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention with one end of the band featuring a female buckle, the other end featuring a male buckle, and an adjustable tri glide securing extra elastic material.

FIG. 2 is a top end aerial view of the first embodiment showing the adjustable tri glide, adjustable male buckle, and the elastic material threaded through these functioning pieces.

FIG. 3 is shows the first embodiment of the male and female ends of the buckle that secures the first and second opposed ends together, thus creating a full circle.

FIG. 4 shows the tri glide of the first embodiment that is used to secure extra elastic material and aid in adjusting the band system's overall length and circumference based on the user's preference.

FIG. 5 shows the first embodiment with both ends of the band connected, using the female buckle at one end of the band, and the male buckle at the other end of the band to secure this connection.

FIG. 6 is a top end aerial view of the first embodiment showing the adjustable tri glide and adjustable male buckle with the elastic material threaded through these functioning pieces.

FIG. 7 shows the first embodiment as a whole connected at both ends.

FIG. 8 shows the first embodiment of the present invention as a whole disconnected at both ends.

FIG. 9 is a frontal perspective view showing the height and length of a second embodiment of the present invention with one end of the band comprising of a loop made of the same material as the elastic band itself, and the other end featuring a “G” hook.

FIG. 10 is a close-up top end aerial view of the second embodiment showing the loop where the hook can be secured.

FIG. 11 is a drawing of the second embodiment of the “G” hook that secures the connection at the loop end, thus creating a full circle.

FIG. 12 shows the second embodiment with both ends of the band connected, using the loop at one end of the band, and the “G” hook at the other end of the band to secure this connection.

FIG. 13 shows the second embodiment as a whole connected at both ends.

FIG. 14 shows the second embodiment as a whole disconnected at both ends

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description and in the several figures of the drawing, like elements are identified with like reference numerals.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention provide a quick and efficient way to remove, adjust, affix, and fasten a small exercise elastic band to oneself to be used for exercise. More specifically, exemplary embodiments of the invention provide allow two ends of the small elastic exercise band to be joined or linked together once the user decides on where the desired resistance will be placed on the body.

FIGS. 1-8 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a quick release mini band system for exercise. The system includes a band (10) made of a durable elastic material designed to withstand heavy use. An exemplary material suitable for the purpose is a latex polyester blend; other materials that are elastic may be used. The band is approximately 32 inches in total length (12) and 2 inches wide (14). Alternate embodiments may utilize different dimensions specific to the type of exercises that require use of the band system.

The band system further includes a quick disconnect connector system to attach the adjusted band ends together. In this exemplary embodiment, the connector system includes a female buckle structure (18) and a male buckle structure (22). The female buckle located at one end of the band (16) in the first embodiment will be secured to the band itself (10) by threading the elastic band material through the available opening on the lower end of the female buckle (18) and sewing the elastic material onto itself with the use of heavy duty thread or string; other binding techniques may alternatively be used to create a secure connection. The buckle structures further provide the advantage that two or more band systems may be connected together, by connecting the male buckle structure of one band to the female band structure of a second band, to provide an elongated band system, which may be useful for some exercises.

The male buckle (22) located at one end (20) of the band) is configured so that the elastic band material will thread through the adjustment double-slotted openings on the interior portion of male buckle (22), and where the band's total length and circumference can be adjusted at (24) by the user for a more customizable fit.

The band system in this exemplary embodiment further includes a tri glide (26) to secure extra elastic material (32) in place while the band is in use. The extra elastic material (32), along with the band itself (10), will thread through the available openings provided by the tri glide (28) (30) and will assist the user in adjusting the band system to the desired length and circumference.

Alternate embodiments of the band system may use different structures and hardware for connecting the first and second opposed ends other than the female and male buckle system (16) (20), and different methods to secure the band (10) to the connection hardware (16) (20) as the tensile strength, size, and exercise application varies.

The connector structures are configured to releasably attach to each other in a closed state in which the band and connector system provide a closed mini band configuration having a circumferential dimension selected to encircle one or more body parts to provide a desired resistance level for resisting movement of the one or more body parts in an exercise application, and wherein the connector structures are configured for detachment from one another to facilitate removal of the band from the one or more body parts. The body parts may, for example, be the user's legs.

The band system may be provided in different distinct resistance levels available to the user, by adjusting the percent blend of polyester and latex within each band itself (10). Heavier resistance levels may be obtained by increasing the amount of latex and lowering the amount of polyester within the band material (10) to increase the elastic tensile resistance. Lighter resistance levels will be produced by decreasing the amount of latex and increasing the amount of polyester within the band material (10) to decrease the elastic tensile resistance. Other embodiments of the band system may use different production methods in which to increase and decrease the bands elastic tensile resistance (10), creating distinct resistance levels made available to the user.

For example, the three distinct resistance levels, one each for the three respective band systems, may elicit an approximate force of 20 pounds resistance, 35 pounds resistance, and 50 pounds resistance on the user when the first (20) and second (16) opposed ends are secured together and the band is stretched to double its initial length by the user. In an exemplary embodiment in which the bands are fabricated of latex-wires as a unit weave with polyesters: for the 20 pound resistance system, the band is fabricated of two latex-wires as a unit weave with polyester, latex 30%, polyester 70%; for the 35 pounds resistance system, three latex-wires as a unit weave with polyester, latex 34%, polyester 66%; for the 50 pound resistance system, three latex-wires as a unit weave with polyester, latex 44%, polyester 56%. The ratio of latex and polyester is by weight. Of course, other materials may be employed for other embodiments.

Alternate embodiments of the band system may provide different and varying resistance levels. An even lighter resistance band, with a 10 pound rating, may be suitable for some users and applications.

FIGS. 9-14 illustrate a second embodiment of a quick release band system in accordance with aspects of the invention. This embodiment utilizes a band whose length is fixed and not adjustable by the user. The band itself (34) is an elastic band, using latex as the elastic material in the band. Other materials that are elastic in nature may alternatively be used. In this exemplary embodiment, the band is approximately 20 inches in length (36), 2 inches wide (38), and 3/64th of an inch thick (40). Other dimensions specific to the type of intended exercises may be employed.

The loop located at one end of the band (42) (FIG. 10) may be engineered into the band itself (34) with the use of manufacturing molds creating the loop (42) and producing one unitary solid unit during the manufacturing process as to diminish weak points and limit the use of glues and any other methods of binding the band onto itself to create the loop. Alternate embodiments of the loop (42) may employ different materials and binding methods, such as stitching, to create the loop (42), depending for example on the tensile strength, size, and exercise application.

A “G” hook (44) located at the end of the band opposite the loop may be made of a sturdy aluminum and engineered and manufactured so that the band will thread through the available opening on the lower portion of the “G” hook (46) and the band will be bound onto itself (34) as to secure the “G” hook in place, using the same manufacturing and engineering methods used to create the loop on the other end of the band to diminish weak points and limit the use of glues and other methods of binding. Alternate embodiments of the “G” hook may be fabricated of different materials other than aluminum to create the connection hardware. Different quick release/connection hardware designs for connecting and releasing the first and second opposed ends, and different methods to secure the band (34) to the connection hardware (44) may be employed, depending on the tensile strength, size, and exercise application changes.

The band system can be used as a training tool in multiple physical fitness and health arenas, including but not limited to physical therapy, sports performance, general fitness, injury prevention, and rehabilitation from injury or surgery. The band system will allow the user to quickly and efficiently place resistance on the desired body part(s) by placing the band on said body part(s) and attaching the two opposing ends together, creating a full loop with the user's body part(s) contained within the loop. Depending on the exercise choice, where the band system of adjustable length is placed on the body, and the overall body size of the user, the user will be able to adjust the overall circumference of the band system using the adjustable tri glide. Additionally, the band system provides the capability to adjoin or link two or more independent bands together to create a larger circumference if the prescribed exercise calls for such. In the case in which the bands of different resistance levels use the same connector structures, when linking or adjoining two or more independent bands together to create a larger circumference, the user will also have the ability to link or adjoin bands of different resistance levels, which will enable the user to create resistance levels in addition to those of the independent bands.

An exemplary exercise in which the band system can be used would have the user place the band slightly above the knee joint and connect the two opposing ends together creating a full loop with both of the user's legs contained within the newly formed loop. The user would then perform the exercise in a standing position, a seated position, a supine position, or a side laying position where the user would separate their knees from one another to stretch the band system out creating resistance at the band's contact points. This particular exercise is used to work the muscles of the gluteus complex and other supporting musculature of the hip region. Another common exercise where the band system can be used would have the user place the band around the back of the knee joint unilaterally and connect the two opposing ends together around a post, or stationary object, creating a full loop with the user's leg contained within the newly formed loop and the band system anchored to the stationary object. The user would then perform the exercise in a standing position facing the stationary object and moving their knee through extension to stretch the band system out creating resistance at the band's contact point behind the knee. This particular exercise is used to work the muscles of the hamstring complex and other supporting musculature responsible for extension of the knee.

Although the foregoing has been a description and illustration of specific embodiments of the subject matter, various modifications and changes thereto can be made by persons skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A quick release mini band system for exercise, comprising: an elongated elastomeric band having a first end and a second end; a connector system comprising a first connector structure attached to the first end of the band and a second connector structure connected to the second end of the band; wherein the first and second connector structures are configured to releasably attach to each other in a closed state in which the band and connector system provide a closed mini band configuration having a circumferential dimension selected to encircle one or more body parts to provide a desired resistance level for resisting movement of the one or more body parts in an exercise application, and wherein the first and second connector structures are configured for detachment from one another to facilitate removal of the band from the one or more body parts; wherein the elastomeric band is configured to provide a resistance level of at least 10 pounds when stretched by the user during an exercise.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the first connector structure comprises a male connector structure and the second connector structure comprises a female connector structure.
 3. The system of claim 2, wherein a length of the band measured from the male connector structure to the female connector structure is adjustable to allow the circumferential dimension to be adjusted by the user.
 4. The system of claim 3, wherein the male buckle includes a double-slotted interior end portion configured to insert the band therethrough, and a tri-glide having a double slot to secure extra band length.
 5. The system of claim 3, wherein said length is adjustable between approximately 16 inches to approximately 32 inches.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the first connector structure comprises a loop formed at the first end of the band and the second connector structure includes a connector leg configured to pass through the loop to connect the first and second band ends together.
 9. The system of claim 6, wherein the band has a fixed length.
 10. The system of claim 9, wherein the fixed length is approximately 20 inches.
 11. The system of claim 1, wherein the resistance level is at least 20 pounds.
 12. The system of claim 1, wherein the resistance level is at least 35 pounds.
 13. The system of claim 1, wherein the resistance level is at least 50 pounds.
 14. The system of claim 1, wherein the connection system is further configured to allow first and second band systems to be connected together, with the first connector structure of one band system connected to the second connector structure of a second band system.
 15. The system of claim 14, wherein the first and second band systems have different resistance levels to evoke varying resistance levels in addition to those of the first and second band systems.
 16. A method of using a quick release mini band system, wherein: the mini band system includes an elongated elastomeric band having a first end and a second end, and a connector system comprising a first connector structure attached to the first end of the band and a second connector structure connected to the second end of the band, wherein the first and second connector structures are configured to releasably attach to each other in a closed state in which the band and connector system provide a closed mini band configuration having a circumferential dimension selected to encircle one or more body parts to provide a desired resistance level for resisting movement of the one or more body parts in an exercise application, and wherein the first and second connector structures are configured for detachment from one another to facilitate removal of the band from the one or more body parts, the elastomeric band is configured to provide a resistance level of at least 10 pounds when stretched by the user during an exercise, the method comprising: with the mini band system in an open configuration in which the first and second connector structures are disconnected from each other, passing the band about the one or more body parts of the user at a desired location; connecting the first and second connector structures to form the closed mini band configuration; the user manipulating the one or more body parts against the resistance provided by the mini band system to execute the exercise; after the exercise is completed, disconnecting the first and second connector structures to remove the mini band system from the user's body.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein a length of the band measured from the male connector structure to the female connector structure is adjustable to allow the circumferential dimension to be adjusted by the user, the method further comprising a step of: adjusting the band length to a desired length suitable for the user and exercise before passing the band about the user's one or more body parts.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the band length is adjustable between approximately 16 inches to approximately 32 inches.
 19. The method of claim 16, wherein the band has a fixed length of approximately 20 inches.
 20. The method of claim 16, wherein the resistance level is at least 20 pounds.
 21. The method of claim 16, wherein the resistance level is at least 35 pounds.
 22. The method of claim 16, wherein the resistance level is at least 50 pounds. 